Preparing for your appointment

Most people with paraneoplastic syndrome experience neurological problems before having any indication of cancer or receiving a cancer diagnosis. Therefore you're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor about your symptoms. You may then be referred to a specialist in nervous system disorders (neurologist) or a cancer specialist (oncologist).

Questions from your doctor

If you have any of these symptoms, it will be helpful to bring a friend or family member to your appointment. Your doctor may ask the following questions:

Have you had any muscle weakness or lack of coordination?

Have you had any unusual or involuntary muscle movements?

Have you had any vision problems?

Do you have any problems chewing, swallowing or speaking?

Do you have any difficulty breathing?

Have you had any seizures? How long have they lasted?

Have you experienced dizziness or nausea?

Do you have trouble sleeping, or have your sleep patterns changed?

Are you having difficulty performing everyday tasks with your hands?

Have you had any numbness or tingling in your limbs?

Have you had a significant change in mood?

Have you been seeing or hearing things that others are not aware of?

Have you had any memory problems?

When did your symptoms begin?

Have your symptoms become worse?

Have you been diagnosed with cancer?

What medications do you take, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements? What are the daily dosages?

Have any close relatives had cancer? If so, what types?

Have you ever smoked?

Do you or does anyone in your family have some form of autoimmune disease?

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